Almost 10 years ago I began my 'accidental' spiritual journey. I had the opportunity to take an eight week sabbatical from my corporate project manager job. I spent two of those eight weeks away, One week at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah and a week touring the southwest. When all my planning was said and done, I had a free weekend before my week at Best Friends began, as I searched for what to do I stumbled upon a weekend retreat in Sedona, Arizona.
It was in Sedona that I was introduced to many ideas that I had never thought much (or at all) about before. Angels, Guided meditations, Shamans, Vision Quests, and much more. Like a fish out of water, I was wide eyed and a little immobilized. What had I gotten myself into? Fortunately I was with a very compassionate group who offered any enlightening that I was willing to absorb. After I returned home I didn't spend too much time thinking about Sedona, I was busy telling everyone who would listen about Best Friends and the Grand Canyon and Zion! However, things kept popping up - I stumbled upon Louise Hay's books & CD's, Mike Dooley's CD's found me, and so it began.
In 2008 I went for my first Reiki session. I don't know how to describe my session. A combination of feeling freed, loved and centered in a mere 45 minutes! In 2009 I began to learn more about Reiki and became initiated in First Degree, it continues to be a very large part of my life. In 2013 I was initiated into the Third Degree - Reiki Master. I am far from a Reiki Master. I am a student, I continue to learn and benefit from Reiki. It is a wonderful tool that helps me reflect and also stay in the present and to be love.
I am not a religious person. I was raised Catholic and for me it was a very draining and demanding practice. However, I never lost God and always felt that I had protection from above.... especially in my younger and very careless days! As I continue on my own Spiritual path, I trust myself and have become a more attentive listener to all guidance! That guidance is easier to hear. When you stay in the present moment you notice more, you understand coincidences more, you become more attuned to encounters that help you define your true purpose in life.
I understand more about the word and meaning of a 'practice' now. I know, more than ever that I am a work in progress. There are many things I still struggle with, as we all do. I am kinder to myself when I fall short, I am kinder to others too!
I am grateful for my plain and simple life. I am grateful for the present.
With compassion ~ Joan
It was in Sedona that I was introduced to many ideas that I had never thought much (or at all) about before. Angels, Guided meditations, Shamans, Vision Quests, and much more. Like a fish out of water, I was wide eyed and a little immobilized. What had I gotten myself into? Fortunately I was with a very compassionate group who offered any enlightening that I was willing to absorb. After I returned home I didn't spend too much time thinking about Sedona, I was busy telling everyone who would listen about Best Friends and the Grand Canyon and Zion! However, things kept popping up - I stumbled upon Louise Hay's books & CD's, Mike Dooley's CD's found me, and so it began.
In 2008 I went for my first Reiki session. I don't know how to describe my session. A combination of feeling freed, loved and centered in a mere 45 minutes! In 2009 I began to learn more about Reiki and became initiated in First Degree, it continues to be a very large part of my life. In 2013 I was initiated into the Third Degree - Reiki Master. I am far from a Reiki Master. I am a student, I continue to learn and benefit from Reiki. It is a wonderful tool that helps me reflect and also stay in the present and to be love.
I am not a religious person. I was raised Catholic and for me it was a very draining and demanding practice. However, I never lost God and always felt that I had protection from above.... especially in my younger and very careless days! As I continue on my own Spiritual path, I trust myself and have become a more attentive listener to all guidance! That guidance is easier to hear. When you stay in the present moment you notice more, you understand coincidences more, you become more attuned to encounters that help you define your true purpose in life.
I understand more about the word and meaning of a 'practice' now. I know, more than ever that I am a work in progress. There are many things I still struggle with, as we all do. I am kinder to myself when I fall short, I am kinder to others too!
I am grateful for my plain and simple life. I am grateful for the present.
With compassion ~ Joan